Fall in jobless figures

Boost for district

Unemployment figures in Monklands have once again fallen compared with the same time last year.

A total of 1665 residents of Airdrie & Shotts claimed Jobseekers’ Allowance in March – down 25 on 2017’s statistics and a 51 per cent drop on figures released in 2010.

The Coatbridge, Chryston & Bellshill ward saw 1630 unemployed residents; this was a drop of 15 from 2017 and 51 per cent fewer out of work people than back in 2010.

The labour market figures also revealed the number of jobseekers across North Lanarkshire in March was 6215 – a 49 per cent decrease on 2010’s statistics.

The Office for National Statistics has confirmed that the British employment rate is at 75.4 per cent – up 0.8 percentage points from last year’s 74.6 per cent and the highest since records began.

Secretary of State for Work and Pensions, Esther McVey, said: “On average, over 1000 people have moved into work every day since 2010.”

Meanwhile, job centres across North Lanarkshire have all “successfully rolled out” their Universal Credit Full Service initiative following six months of “careful planning and preparation”.

A job centre spokesperson said: “This planning included extensive training for our staff, as well as support in preparing our customers.

“We have also worked, and continue to work, closely with all partners across North Lanarkshire to make any claim to benefit and the customer journey as smooth and professional as possible, achieving an excellent level of customer service.”